ORIGIN

This 1985 Kawasaki GPZ550 was refurbished by the previous owner over the past two years with a new black and red finish, a top-end rebuild of its 553cc DOHC inline-four, and a new clutch for its a 6-speed transmission. Modifications include clip-on handlebars, rearset foot controls, a Yoshimura exhaust, exhaust header wrap, bronze-colored wheels, a yellow-tinted headlight, and more. Acquired by the selling dealer in late 2018, this GPZ550 shows 42k miles and is sold with removed stock parts and a clean Wisconsin title.

The GPZ550 was designed as a sportier replacement for the middleweight KZ550. This example was refinished under previous ownership in metallic black with red accents and modifications including clip-on handlebars, a yellow headlight lens cover, a CRG bar-end mirror, and Tarozzi rearsets controlling the shifter and rear brake.

The forks were overhauled with new seals, Progressive springs, and an anti-dive delete kit from Fast From the Past. The dual disc brakes have been upgraded with Galfer stainless braided brake lines, new pads, and a master cylinder with an adjustable lever. Bronze-colored triple-spoke wheels wear Pirelli Diablo Sport Demon tires fitted in 2016.

The tank features a fuel level indicator and warning lights for side stand position, oil level, and battery charge. The fuel level sending unit is noted to be inoperable, and the indicator always reads empty. The battery charge indicator uses an acid level sensor which is incompatible with modern batteries, resulting in a continuously flashing light. The odometer is reported to show 42k miles, approximately 100 of which were added by the selling dealer.

The 553cc DOHC inline-four produced 57 horsepower in stock form and transfers power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission and chain drive. The previous owner reportedly performed a top-end rebuild, adjusted the valve clearances, rebuilt the carburetor, and lubricated the control cables over the past two years as well as replacing the clutch, battery, hoses, spark plugs, and ignition wires. Modifications include:

A compression test was performed with each cylinder showing 149psi in the gallery below. A collection of removed stock parts and spares is included in the sale, though records from the recent work are unavailable.